The entry-level HDC-SD20 SD Card Full HD Camcorder from Panasonic gives you high definition recording at an affordable price. Whether you want to record all the moments of your baby's first few years or show off your intimidating skateboard skills, the HDC-SD20 has solid features and the flexibility of SD/SDHC memory card recording, which lends well to Internet sharing. If you're looking to do a little more with your memories, take advantage of the SD20's compatibility with Mac for editing in iMovie.
You don't have to worry about not getting that once in a lifetime moment, either. The camera's Intelligent Auto (iA) mode takes the confusion out of recording by automatically adjusting for your specific situation with features such as Face Detection and Scene Detection. Other advanced features like the Leica Dicomar lens and 16x optical zoom give you an added edge.
The HDC-SD20 provides the quality of HD, and ease-of-use, at a manageable price.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1.47Mp 1/6" CMOS Sensor |
| Lens |
Leica Dicomar lens Focal length=2.95-47.2mm F/Stop=1.8-3.3 |
| Zoom |
16x Optical 40-1000x Digital |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format | MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD standard compliant) |
| Audio | Dolby Digital (5.1 channel) |
| Image Stabilization | Advanced Optical Image Stabilization |
| Lux |
Standard illumination: 1400 lux Minimum illumination: 9 lux (1/30 Low Light mode), 1 lux (Magic Pix) |
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC memory card (not included) |
| Recording Time |
SD/SDHC memory card 1GB: HA: 7 minutes HE: 21 minutes 32GB: HA: 4 hours HE: 12 hours |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Wide LCD |
| Display Size | 2.7" (230,400 pixels) |
| Viewfinder | No |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | White Balance, Shutter Speed, Iris, Focus |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | No |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Flash - Yes Light - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | SD/SDHC Memory Card |
| Resolution | 2.1Mp (1920 x 1080) |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | No |
| Output |
AV out USB 2.0 Component HDMI Mini |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, French, Spanish |
| Compatible Operating Systems |
Windows XP, 2000, Vista Mac OS X 10.4 or higher for iMovie'08 7.1.2 or later (HD writer AE 1.0 is not available for Mac) |
| Power Requirements | 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.52 x 2.64 x 5" (64 x 67 x 127mm) |
| Weight | 0.60 lb (270g) |
Displaying reviews 1-2
with a 16 Go SDcard, it's a perfect product. Films are great, the HD mode works fine, the sound is wonderful,... good product....thank you panasonic
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
This unit was purchased to replace a MiniDV cam used for filming football practices and games on top of a Hi-Pod cam tower. We liked the SD feature which is more reliable in adverse weather, and no heads to clean along with no recurring tape costs. We did not need HD, but needed the SD feature and IR remote capability which seems to be lacking in many new cams.
As with all new equipment there is a learning curve, but this one didn't seem to be too steep. Appears to be able to provide the video that we need. However, the support from Panasonic is less than adequate. It took B&H to solve an issue - one phone call.
Night filming with field lights is not uniform (color) with each play - greens are brown, etc. However, this could be an operator issue. Daytime is perfect.
Burning a DVD is another story. It takes hours to convert the MTS format to DVD video. Panasonic had no options on this. Was told by my Hi-Pod vendor that capturing via the A/V port would allow standard definition at about a 1:1 ratio. This was verified with B&H, BUT had to by a Dazzle Instant DVD Recorder to do so. That unit was also purchased from B&H.
Because of the GREAT before and after sale support, we expect to have a long and beneficial relationship.
Displaying reviews 1-2